Moms & Pups
Back from the brink
Nearly extinct
Red wolves are a critically endangered species, whose population once numbered only 14 individuals. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium was a key partner in a zoo-based breeding and reintroduction program that brought this species back from the brink of extinction
Great foster moms
Teaching pups how to be wolves.
Red wolves make great foster moms! While wild red wolf moms were out looking for food, scientists would add a pup born in human care to her den. When mom came back, she’d ‘adopt’ the new pup that smelled like the rest.
Pups learn how to be a wolf
From their family
Pups learn how to be successful wild wolves from their new family. This technique was so successful it was also used in the Yellowstone grey wolf reintroduction program!
Fun facts
about red wolves.
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium welcomed wolf pups on Mother’s Day in 2019!
Watch them at feeding time in this video from 2020!